These are the most Frequently Asked Questions I receive regarding therapy.

If you do not find an answer to your specific question, please feel free to call or e-mail.

I am happy to answer any question you might have regarding my services.

Do you take insurance?I am in network with Holman Group and HMC Healthworks (UFCW). If you have an alternate insurance plan please note that there are many PPO plans that allow subscribers to choose "out-of-network" providers. If you have such a plan, I am happy to provide a monthly statement that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Please refer to the section on Rates for additional information.

How long are the sessions?Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes long, although extended sessions can be scheduled. Couples usually meet for longer sessions (75-90 minutes) although can meet for a shorter time as well. The Intake session is 60 minutes for all clients. Extended sessions are not typically covered by insurance plans.

How often will we meet?Initially, it often works best to meet weekly or every other week to address the concerns that brought you to counseling and to offer more immediate relief. After that, we usually decrease session frequency as needed for ongoing work. We will work together to find a meeting schedule that best addresses your needs and goals.

Do you provide Online Therapy?

Yes, I do offer Online Therapy Services for Adults and Couples in many situations. If you have additional questions about whether or not Online Therapy is right for you, please email or call (805)835-1222.

How long will therapy take?It is difficult to predict the number of sessions as it depends on many different variables. Every individual and couple is unique, so the process can vary considerably. When we meet for our intake session, I will be better able to offer an idea of length of treatment. It is my goal to help clients as efficiently and swiftly as possible.

Where are you located?My office is located in the Patrick James Building at 641 Higuera Street #202 in San Luis Obispo. The entrance is off of Nipomo (enter through the glass doors and take the elevator to the 2nd floor).

What is the most essential factor in choosing a therapist or counselor?Research findings have consistently shown that the most important factor in therapy outcomes is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client. If the client feels safe with and trusts the therapist, therapy can have a much greater effect. Therefore, when choosing a therapist, you may want to ask yourself if you feel comfortable when talking to the therapist and if you trust that this therapist has the expertise and skills to help you with the issues that are of importance to you.

Will paying out of pocket guarantee my confidentiality?Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter. In general, paying out of pocket allows a higher level of confidentiality because I don't have to report your information to insurance companies. However, I am required by law to disclose confidential information if you tell me you're an imminent danger to yourself, a danger to others, or if I hear about abuse or neglect of minors, the elderly, or dependent adults.

If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify me by phone, text or email at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Because your time is specifically reserved for you, cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will result in a charge up to your full fee.